English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement

If your first language is not English, to be certain that you are able to succeed in college-level courses and to be placed in the best level for your skills, you should take an English as a Second Language test.

The ESL test consists of two parts

1st part: ESL Essay

The ESL Essay is a pencil/paper test and takes 35 minutes. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the testing times. No late arrival will be permitted. If scheduled times do not work for you, please call at (916) 558-2541 to speak with the Assessment Center staff.

2nd part: Computer assessment

The ESL-ACCUPLACER computerized assessment will be given immediately after completing the ESL Essay. The computerized test will take approximately 2.5 hours.

Test Results

After completion of your ESL assessment test, your ESL test results will be available the following Wednesday.

ESL Assessment Retest Policy

Effective October 1, 2015, students may retest only one time districtwide after a 30-calendar-day waiting period. Students may not test or retest after having started the course sequence, however, students may go to the Language and Literature Department in Rodda Hall South Room 226 (916)558-2325 to find information about the course challenge process.

Example: If a student completed ESLR class and has not started ESLW, ESLG or ESLL and ESL test results are expired, a student is permitted to take an ESL assessment test again.